Lāʻī

Scientific Name: 

Cordyline Fruticosa

'Ōlelo Noʻeau: 

#1353 - Ka i‘a kā welelau o ke ahi. The fish that lies on the top edge of the fire. The ‘o‘opu, wrapped in ti leaves and laid on hot coals - Puku‘i, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau

#1952 - Lau‘ī pekepeke. Short-leaved ti plant. An insult applied to kauwā. Like small-leaved ti, they weren't of much use. Longer leaves were better liked because they were useful as food wrappers - Puku‘i, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau

#2768 - Ua ahu ka imu, e lāwalu ka iʻa. The oven is ready, let the fish wrapped in ti leaves be cooked.  All preparations have been; now let us proceed with the work. - Puku‘i, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau

Description: 

Shrub-like appearance with a light brown stem. Usually around -3.5m tall. Leaves range from light yellow to bright green. The length of leaves varies from 40-80 cm long.

Habitat: 

Ti leaf grow all over the east side of Hawaii Island. They like to inhabit ares with 

Propagation: 

Cut the stalk and strip off all leaves. Cut the stalk into 4-8 inch pieces. Soak in a bucket of water with growing side up. Once root buds appear, plant at an angle or lay flat in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade 9-12 inches apart.

Uses: 

Hoʻokupu, Pūʻolo, food (laulau), fever (Put the leaf on your forehead), lei, planted for good luck, used to ward off evil spirits.

Lāʻī can be used as an offering (Hoʻokupu), preparing and storing food, lei, and to ward of